Post-Operative Support Apparatus for a Patient&#39;s Residual Limb

ABSTRACT

A post-operative support apparatus for a patient&#39;s residual limb includes: a planar, stretchable and flexible wrap panel sized to wrap around an outer circumference of a patient&#39;s residual limb, along a length of the patient&#39;s residual limb, where the wrap panel includes one or more fasteners (such as hook &amp; loop fastener components) for maintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient&#39;s residual limb; a pair of substantially rigid, elongated side support panels to respectively apply to the medial and lateral sides of the patient&#39;s residual limb, over the wrap panel; a distal cushion to apply against a distal end of the patient&#39;s residual limb; and a retainer maintaining the distal cushion against the patient&#39;s residual limb.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. Ser.No. 62/211,318, filed Aug. 28, 2015, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Following a patient's below-knee amputation, there is a need for aprosthetic limb post-operative support device that can be used toprotect the patient's residual limb soon after the amputation and tohelp avoid any traumas to the limb so the limb can properly heal.Current known post-operative support apparatuses contain a hard plasticshell or socket that provides limited ability to accommodate a change inthe volume or dimensions of the limb after the post-operative componentis fit. Such hard plastic shells themselves may present a risk to, andmay be the cause of, in some instances, damage to the sensitive softtissues after the surgery.

Accordingly, there is a need for a post-operative assembly that has theability to account for occasional swelling of the patient's residuallimb, possible de-bulking of wound dressing, expected/possible atrophyin the patient's residual limb and other changes to the volume or shapeof the patient's residual limb as the limb heals following theoperation. For example, it is common that the residual limb and dressingcan lose upwards of 50 percent of its volume in the 48 hours followingthe amputation surgery.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the current disclosure may be directed to apost-operative support apparatus for a patient's residual limb. Theapparatus includes: a planar, stretchable and flexible wrap panel sizedto wrap around an outer circumference of a patient's residual limb,along a length of the patient's residual limb, where the wrap panelincludes one or more fasteners (such as hook & loop fastener components)for maintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient's residuallimb; a pair of substantially rigid, elongated side support panels torespectively apply to the medial and lateral sides of the patient'sresidual limb, over the wrap panel; a distal cushion to apply against adistal end of the patient's residual limb; and a retainer maintainingthe distal cushion against the patient's residual limb.

In such embodiments, the retainer may be a planar, stretchable andflexible distal panel to apply against the distal end of the distalcushion, and including a plurality of legs extending therefrom to extendproximally up against an outer surface of the wrap panel, where each ofthe plurality of legs include fasteners (such as hook & loop fastenercomponents) for maintaining the legs against the outer surface of thewrap panel. Further, in such embodiments, the retainer includes fourlegs in a cross-shaped arrangement.

In such embodiments, the wrap panel may be formed from a neoprenematerial. Further, the distal panel may be formed from a neoprenematerial.

Such embodiments may further include a suspensory strap to be appliedcircumferentially around the outer surface of the wrap panel. In furtherdetailed embodiments, the suspensory strap is to be applied above thesupracondylar aspect of the femur of the patient's residual limb so asto provide suspension of the post-operative support apparatus fromfalling distally off the patient's residual limb. Further, thesuspensory strap may include a fastener(s) (such as a hook & loopfastener component(s)) maintaining the suspensory strap about the outersurface of the wrap panel and creating a closure to the circumferentialstrap itself.

In such embodiments, the pair of substantially rigid, elongated sidesupport panels may include planar, elongated thermoplastic panels.Further, in such embodiments, the pair of substantially rigid, elongatedthermoplastic panels may reside in sleeves or pockets made from astretchable and flexible material such as neoprene for example.

In such embodiments, the wrap panel may include an outer layer of clothmaterial susceptible to engaging with a hook component of a hook andloop fastener.

A more detailed embodiment of the current disclosure is directed to apost-operative support apparatus that includes: (a) a planar, wrap panelsized to wrap around an outer circumference of a patient's residuallimb, along a length of the patient's residual limb, where the wrappanel includes a layer of neoprene material, an outer layer of clothmaterial and a plurality of tabs extending from a longitudinal sideedge, where the tabs including loop components of a hook and loopfastener for fastening to the outer layer of cloth material of the wrappanel and maintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient'sresidual limb; (b) a pair of substantially rigid, elongated side supportpanels residing in sleeves, the sleeves including at least one loopcomponent of a hook and loop fastener attached to at least one planarside of the sleeve for fastening the sleeve and the side support panelto the cloth outer layer of the wrap panel, respectively on the medialand lateral sides of the patient's residual limb; (c) a suspensory strapto be applied circumferentially around the outer surface of the wrappanel above the supracondylar aspect of the femur of the patient'sresidual limb so as to provide suspension of the post-operative supportapparatus from falling distally off the patient's residual limb; (d) adistal cushion with a concave proximal surface to apply against a distalend of the patient's residual limb; and (e) a flexible, planar distalpanel to apply against the distal end of the distal cushion, andincluding a plurality of flexible legs extending therefrom to extendproximally up against the outer layer of cloth material of the wrappanel, where each of the plurality of legs include one or more loopcomponents of hook and loop fasteners for fastening to the outer layerof cloth material of the wrap panel and maintaining the legs against theouter surface of the wrap panel.

Embodiments of the current disclosure also include a method for donninga post-operative support apparatus to a residual limb, comprising thesteps of: (a) obtaining any of the post-operative support apparatuses assummarized above; (b) wrapping the wrap panel around the patient'sresidual limb and fastening the first fasteners to close the wrap panelabout the patient residual limb; (c) fastening the suspensory strap tocircumferentially around the outer surface of the wrap panel above thesupracondylar aspect of the femur of the patient's residual limb so asto provide suspension of the post-operative support apparatus fromfalling distally off the patient's residual limb; (d) fastening the sidesupport panels respectively on the medial and lateral sides of thepatient's residual limb, where the elongated side support panels extendvertically along the patient's residual limb; (e) positioning the distalcushion to the distal end of the patient's residual limb; and (f)positioning the planar distal panel over the distal cushion andfastening the plurality of legs of the planar distal cushion to theouter surface of the wrap panel to thereby retain the distal cushion tothe distal end of the patient's residual limb. It is to be understoodthat the above steps are not required to be performed in order. Forexample, and without limitation, step (c) for fastening the suspensorystrap can occur later in the method, step (d) for fastening the sidesupport panels can occur earlier or later in the method, and steps (d) &(e) for positioning and fastening the distal cushion and distal panelcan occur earlier in the method.

These and other aspects of the current disclosure will be apparent fromthe following detailed discussion, the appended claims and the attachedfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of apost-operative support apparatus according to the current disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective assembled view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of apost-operative support apparatus according to the current disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective assembled view of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate side assembly for use withpost-operative support apparatuses as disclosed herein;

FIG. 6A is a back view of another alternate side assembly for use withpost-operative support apparatuses as disclosed herein; and

FIG. 6B is a side view of the alternate side assembly of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate various components of a first exampleembodiment of a post-operative support apparatus according to thecurrent disclosure, as well as various steps for using the firstembodiment and donning the first embodiment on a patient's residual limbsoon after amputation. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide an alternate exampleembodiment a post-operative support apparatus according to the currentdisclosure, along with illustrations of its various components and stepsfor donning this embodiment onto the patient's residual limb soon afteramputation. FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B provide alternate embodiments of theelongated side support panel assemblies for use with post-operativesupport apparatuses as discussed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first exemplary embodiment of thepost-operative support apparatus 10 includes a planar, flexible andstretchable wrap panel 12 that is sized to wrap around an outercircumference of the patient's residual limb 16, along a length of thepatient's residual limb. In this embodiment, the wrap panel 12 mayinclude an inner layer of neoprene material and an out layer of terrycloth material. In the exemplary embodiment, the neoprene material maybe nylon lined and perforated (ventilation may promote dissipation ofmoisture and create airflow to assist in patient comfort and woundhealing). The planar wrap panel 12 may also include a plurality of tabs14 extending from a longitudinal side edge of the wrap panel where thetabs include loop components of a hook and loop fastener system (Velcro®fastener), where the loop components will fasten to the outer layer ofterry cloth material of the wrap panel 12 to maintain the wrap panel inplace wrapped around the patient's residual limb 16.

The current embodiment 10 may also include a pair of substantiallyrigid, elongated side support panel assemblies 18. In this embodimenteach elongated side support panel assembly 18 includes an outer sleeve34 of neoprene material and a planar, elongated thermoplastic panel 32that is received within the sleeve 34 (in this embodiment, thethermoplastic panel 32 is seated between the outer sleeve 34 and theouter surface of the planar wrap panel 12 when the outer sleeve 34 isfastened to the outer surface of the planar wrap panel 12 with thethermoplastic panel 32 positioned therebetween). Each of the sleeveassemblies 18 include a layer 35 of hook components of a hook and loopfastener system (Velcro system) distributed about the periphery of theinner surface of the elongated side support panel assembly 18. Thislayer 35 of hook components allow the elongated side support panelassemblies 18 to be fastened to the terry cloth material on the outersurface of the planar wrap panel 12 once the wrap panel has been wrappedaround the patient's residual limb 16.

The current embodiment 10 of the post-operative support apparatus alsoincludes a suspensory strap 28 that is wrapped circumferentially aroundat least a portion the outer surface of the wrap panel 12 and elongatedside support assemblies 18 after the wrap panel has been wrapped aroundthe patient's residual limb 16 (but, preferably, before the panelassemblies 18 have been fastened to the outer surface of the wrappedpanel 12). The suspensory strap also includes an inner layer of neoprenematerial and an outer layer of terry cloth material as well as a patchof loop component material 29 extending from a longitudinal end and onthe inner surface thereof. In this configuration, the suspensory strapcan be wrapped around the wrap panel 12 and then fastened by applyingthe loop component patch 29 to the outer terry cloth material on theouter surface of the suspensory strap 28. In an embodiment, thesuspensory strap 28 is applied above the super condylar aspect of thefemur of the patient's residual limb so as to provide suspension of thepost-operative support apparatus 10 from falling distally off thepatient's residual limb 16.

The current embodiment of the post-operative support apparatus 10further includes a distal cushion component 20 with a concave proximalsurface 21 that is applied against the distal end of the patient'sresidual limb. Thereafter, a flexible and stretchable planar distalpanel 22 is applied against the distal end of the distal cushion 20. Inan embodiment, the distal end of the cushion 20 includes a hook or aloop component patch 27 of a hook and loop fastener system (shown inphantom in FIG. 1 as being positioned on the underside of the cushion20) and the distal panel 22 includes the corresponding loop or hookpatch 23 to allow the distal panel 22 to fasten to the distal surface ofthe distal cushion 20. The flexible, planar distal panel 22 alsoincludes a plurality of flexible legs 24 extending therefrom. Each ofthe legs have a patch of loop component material 26 fastened to theinner surface. In such a configuration, the legs may be pulled upvertically against the outer layer of terry cloth material of the wrappanel 12 after it has been wrapped around the patient's residual limb 16to fasten the legs 24 against the outer surface of the wrap panel 12 andfurther maintain the distal panel 22 and distal cushion 20 to theoverall assembly 10 about the patient's residual limb 16. The planardistal panel 22 may have an inner layer of neoprene material and anouter layer of terry cloth material, similar to the construction of thewrap panel 12. In the current embodiment, the distal panel 22 includesfour of the legs 24 extending from the distal panel 22 in a cross-typeconfiguration.

In a detailed embodiment, the planar wrap panel is substantially square,measuring 25 inches in length and 25 inches in width. In a detailedembodiment, the interior surface of the planar wrap panel 12 is made ofa neoprene material with a hypo-allergenic nylon covering (perforated)and the exterior surface is formed from a Velcro-sensitive (hooksensitive) terry cloth covering. In a detailed embodiment, the sidesupports measure 3 inches in width by 20 inches in length, and 1/16^(th)of an inch in thickness, and are made from 1/16^(th)-inch modifiedpolyethylene material. In a detailed embodiment, the planar distal panel22 measures 14½ inches from end to end of each leg 24 and the centerVelcro patch 23 is 2 inches in width and 2½ inches in length. In adetailed embodiment, the suspensory strap is 2 inches in width by 25inches in length and made from ⅛^(th)-inch neoprene material. Thesuspensory strap also includes a 2-inch by 3-inch patch 29 of Velcrohook component material. In such an embodiment, the suspensory strap 28is designed for primary suspension at super condylar level of femur onthe thigh. Circumferential stretch in the neoprene material decreasesrisk of circulatory compromise in case of over tightening. In a detailedembodiment, each patch of hook material 26 has a width of approximately3½ inches and a length of about 4 inches. In this embodiment, the patch26 does not extend all the way to the end of the leg 24 to allow for anend portion of the leg to be used as a tab that a patient may grip whenapplying or removing the leg 24. In a detailed embodiment, the hook tabs14 are ½ inch wide.

In a detailed embodiment, the sleeve component 34 is constructed of alayer of neoprene material having an outer surface of a terry clothmaterial. The inner surface of the neoprene material has a patch 35 ofhook component cemented about its periphery. Because the hook componentmaterial 35 is only at the periphery of the sleeve component 34 in thisembodiment, when the sleeve component 34 is fastened to the terry clothmaterial on the outer surface of the wrap panel 12, a pocket is formedbetween the outer surface of the wrap panel 12 in the inner surface ofthe sleeve component 34 inside the outer periphery of hook patches 35.Within that pocket, the plastic side support panels 32 are seated. Asshown in these figures, each sleeve component measures 22 inches inlength, is 4 inches in width, and is constructed from ⅛-inch nyloncovered neoprene material.

In a detailed embodiment, the distal end of the distal cushion includesa patch 27 of hook and loop fastener material to mate with the opposingpatch 23 on the planar distal panel 22. This distal cushion 20 ispre-molded for the patient's transtibial residual limb. It is designedto protect the sensitive residual limb post-operatively from potentialtrauma that could be sustained in a fall or by bumping the limb. It isalso desired to achieve total contact with the residual limb becausecompression and resistance to swelling are important functions inpost-operative healing. In this embodiment, the cushion 20 iscylindrical 2 inches thick and 6 inches in diameter. It includes amoisture barrier layer on the proximal side 21 to help the cushion 20avoid absorbing fluid from the residual limb.

Next, various example steps in donning the first exemplary embodiment ofthe post-operative support apparatus 10 will be discussed. Starting off,the wrap panel 12 is first placed against the patient's residual limb 16and the hook tabs 14 can be set on either the right or left side, oftendepending upon hand dominance of the patient or preference of thepatient. Preferably, the lower end of the panel 12 is brought to thevery bottom of the patient's residual limb 16.

Next, the panel 12 can be sized and trimmed based upon the patient'slimb dimensions. For example, scissors may be used to trim the wrappanel so that there is only about a 2-inch overlap between the lateralside edges. Additionally, the top and bottom edges of the wrap panel mayalso be trimmed with scissors as necessary. Once trimmed, the wrap panel12 is wrapped around the patient's residual limb such that the tabsfastened to the outer terry cloth surface of the wrap panel. Once thewrap panel 12 is wrapped around the patient's residual limb 16, it isdesired to have the patient's residual limb located at the bottom end ofthe wrap panel 12. It is noted that the panel 12 may be wrapped aboutthe patient's residual limb 16 so as to have a left-side opening orright-side opening depending upon patient preference. The currentembodiment illustrates a left-side opening.

The above trimming steps may also be re-performed from time-to-time inresponse to the patient's residual limb changing and/or losing volumefollowing an initial fitting of the device.

The next step is to secure the suspensory strap around the wrapped panel12. In an embodiment, the suspensory strap 28 is fastened above thesuper condylar aspect of the femur of the patient's residual limb so asto provide suspension of the post-operative support apparatus 10 fromfalling distally off the patient's residual limb. The panel 12 may alsoinclude an indicator 39, such as a white dot, placed on the outersurface (such as on an outer surface of a tab 14) to indicate a positionon the patient's residual limb to which the indicator 39 should bealigned for proper fitting. For example, the indicator may be positionedto be aligned with a patient's knee cap to assist patients and/orcaregivers for proper alignment during donning and fitting. In anembodiment, the indicator 39 is positioned such that the distal end ofthe residual limb 16 is aligned with the inferior or bottom edge of thepanel 12.

A next step is to fasten the side support assemblies 18 to the medialand lateral sides of the patient's residual limb over the wrap panel 12and suspensory strap 28. In this step, the plastic support panels 32 areplaced within the hook patches 35 that are applied around the peripheryof the sleeve components 34. Additionally, the sleeves 34 and supportpanels 32 may be trimmed to length with scissors by first aligning themwith a point ½ inch below the proximal lateral trim line and medial trimline of the device 10 respectively. Once trimmed, the panels 32 arepocketed into place as the sleeves 34 adhere their hook patches to theexterior terry cloth of the wrap panel 12.

A next step is to secure the distal cushion 20 and planar distal panel22 to the distal end of the patient's residual limb 16. Thecorresponding patches of hook and loop fastener components 23/27respectively on the distal end of the cushion 20 and on the innersurface of the distal planar panel 22 are fastened to each other so thatthe distal end of the cushion 20 is fastened to the middle of the insidesurface of the distal planar panel 22. Then the concave proximal surface21 of the cushion 20 is placed against the distal end of the residuallimb 16; and then the legs 24 are pulled up (to apply snug tension)against the outer surface of the planar wrap 12 that is wrapped aroundthe residual limb and/or the outer surfaces of the support panelassemblies 18 so that the loop component patches 26 on the underside ofthe legs 24 adhere to the terry cloth material on the outer surfaces ofthe planar wrap 12 and/or support panel assemblies 18. If necessary, thesuspensory strap 28 can be re-secured with snug tension to provideprimary suspension over the femoral condyles.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of the post-operativesupport assembly 40. In this embodiment, the side support panelassemblies 48 are sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the planarwrap panel 42; and two suspensory strap components 58A and 58B are alsosewn or otherwise attached to the planar wrap panel 42 along verticaledges of the wrap panel approximate the proximal end of the wrap panel42. Tabs 44, cushion 50, and planar distal panel 52 are essentially thesame as tabs 14, cushion 20 and distal panel 22 in the first embodiment10. To don the support assembly, the wrap panel is first wrapped aroundthe patient's residual limb such that the tabs 44 overlap and secure tothe outer surface of the panel on the front of the limb and so that thesupport panel assemblies 48 are positioned respectively over the medialand lateral sides of the patient's residual limb. Next, the cushion 50and planar distal panel 52 are fastened as in the first embodiment.Next, the two suspensory strap components 58A and 58A are snugly secured(by hook and loop fasteners) in an overlapping fashion to aidsuspension. FIG. 4 shows the alternate embodiment 40 in a finishedstate.

Having described the various embodiments of the present disclosure indetail and by reference to the attached figures, it will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill that the disclosed embodiments are merelycurrent example embodiments and that changes can be made from suchembodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. For example,and without limitation, while current embodiments utilize neoprenematerials and terry-cloth materials, other suitable materials may beused without departing from the scope of certain claims. For example,and without limitation, a padded nylon construction may be a suitablereplacement for the neoprene material used for the wrap panel 12.Further, while current embodiments utilized hook and loop typefasteners, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill that alternatefasteners (such as buttons, buckles, snaps, zippers, latches, laces,hooks and the like) may be used without departing from the scope ofcertain claims. Further, while various components may be shown asseparate components, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill thatsuch separate components may be integrated into the apparatus.

For example, and without limitation, it will be understood that the sidesupport panels 32 and/or the suspensory strap 28 may be integrated intothe construction of the wrap panel 12 (as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4). Also, the side support panels 32 may be included withoutthe neoprene sleeve 34 and/or the side support panels 32 may be appliedto the patient's residual limb 16 prior to the wrap panel 12 beingdonned. FIG. 5 illustrates one such alternate construction 60 for theside support assemblies. This alternate construction 60 includes amolded thermoplastic panel 62 fastened (via hook & loop fasteners, forexample) to a base layer 64 of nylon material. The molded panel 62 maybe molded according to the shape and dimensions of the patient'sresidual limb (for example, the panel 62 may be molded over a positivecast of the patient's residual limb); as such, the molded panel 62 mayhave a slight concavity on the inner side. The molded panel 62 may alsobe able to be trimmed to the length of the residual limb and/or adjustedto the circumference of the residual limb. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrateanother such alternate construction 70 for the side support assemblies.This alternate construction 70 is essentially a one-piece thermoplasticunit that includes two side-panel segments 72, 74 and a connectingbridge-segment 76 that laterally extends horizontally between and behind(e.g., behind the knee) the two side-panel segments about the back-sideof the patient's residual limb. This construction 70 may be moldedthermoplastic component that is allowed to bend, yield and contour tothe limb, but is also designed to provide support, protection andresistance to knee flexion contracture. The inner surfaces of thethermoplastic unit may include loop components of hook and loopfasteners for fastening to the outer terry-cloth surface (for example)of the underlying wrap component.

It will also be apparent that, while specific dimensions are given forcertain exemplary embodiments, such dimensions are only apply to thespecific embodiment and those of ordinary skill will readily understandthat changes may be made to any or all of such dimensions withoutdeparting from the scope of the claimed subject matter. It will also beapparent to those of ordinary skill that it is not necessary to meet anyor all of the stated objects or advantages of the disclosed embodimentsto meet any of the recited claims because other un-stated objects oradvantages may exist.

What is claimed is:
 1. A post-operative support apparatus for apatient's residual limb, comprising: a planar, stretchable and flexiblewrap panel sized to wrap around an outer circumference of a patient'sresidual limb, along a length of the patient's residual limb, the wrappanel including one or more first fasteners for maintaining the wrappanel in place around the patient's residual limb; at least onesubstantially rigid, elongated side support panels to apply to one ofthe medial and lateral sides of the patient's residual limb, over thewrap panel; a distal cushion to apply against a distal end of thepatient's residual limb; and a retainer maintaining the distal cushionagainst the patient's residual limb.
 2. The post-operative supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the retainer is a planar, stretchable andflexible distal panel to apply against the distal end of the distalcushion, and including a plurality of legs extending therefrom to extendproximally up against an outer surface of the wrap panel, each of theplurality of legs including one or more second fasteners for maintainingthe legs against the outer surface of the wrap panel.
 3. Thepost-operative support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wrap panel isformed from a neoprene material.
 4. The post-operative support apparatusof claim 2, wherein the distal panel is formed from a neoprene material.5. The post-operative support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising asuspensory strap to be applied circumferentially around the outersurface of the wrap panel.
 6. The post-operative support apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the suspensory strap is to be applied above thesupracondylar aspect of the femur of the patient's residual limb so asto provide suspension of the post-operative support apparatus fromfalling distally off the patient's residual limb.
 7. The post-operativesupport apparatus of claim 5, wherein the suspensory strap includes oneor more third fasteners maintaining the suspensory strap about the outersurface of the wrap panel.
 8. The post-operative support apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising a pair of substantially rigid, elongated sidesupport panels to respectively apply to the medial and lateral sides ofthe patient's residual limb, over the wrap panel.
 9. The post-operativesupport apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pair of substantially rigid,elongated side support panels include planar, elongated thermoplasticpanels.
 10. The post-operative support apparatus of claim 8, wherein thepair of substantially rigid, elongated side support panels reside insleeves or pockets made from a stretchable and flexible material. 11.The post-operative support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retainer isformed from a neoprene material.
 12. The post-operative supportapparatus of claim 2, wherein the retainer includes four legs in across-shaped arrangement.
 13. The post-operative support apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the one or more second fasteners include at least oneof a hook component and a loop component of a hook and loop fastener.14. The post-operative support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one ormore first fasteners include at least one of a hook component and a loopcomponent of a hook and loop fastener
 15. The post-operative supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the wrap panel includes an outer layer ofcloth material susceptible to engaging with a hook component of a hookand loop fastener; and the one or more first fasteners include a hookcomponent of a hook and loop fastener.
 16. The post-operative supportapparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more second fasteners includea hook component of a hook and loop fastener.
 17. The post-operativesupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more second fastenersare provided on tabs that extend from a longitudinal side edge of thewrap panel.
 18. A post-operative support apparatus comprising: a planar,wrap panel sized to wrap around an outer circumference of a patient'sresidual limb, along a length of the patient's residual limb, the wrappanel including a layer neoprene material, an outer layer of clothmaterial and a plurality of tabs extending from a longitudinal sideedge, the tabs including loop components of a hook and loop fastener forfastening to the outer layer of cloth material of the wrap panel andmaintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient's residual limb;a pair of substantially rigid, elongated side support panels residing insleeves, the sleeves including at least one loop component of a hook andloop fastener (first fastener) attached to at least one planar side ofthe sleeve for fastening to the cloth outer layer of the wrap panel,respectively on the medial and lateral sides of the patient's residuallimb; a suspensory strap to be applied circumferentially around theouter surface of the wrap panel above the supracondylar aspect of thefemur of the patient's residual limb so as to provide suspension of thepost-operative support apparatus from falling distally off the patient'sresidual limb; a distal cushion with a concave proximal surface to applyagainst a distal end of the patient's residual limb; and a flexible,planar distal panel to apply against the distal end of the distalcushion, and including a plurality of flexible legs extending therefromto extend proximally up against the outer layer of cloth material of thewrap panel, each of the plurality of legs including one or more loopcomponents of hook and loop fasteners for fastening to the outer layerof cloth material of the wrap panel and maintaining the legs against theouter surface of the wrap panel.
 19. A method for donning apost-operative support apparatus to a residual limb, comprising thesteps of: obtaining a of the post-operative support apparatusesincluding (a) a planar, stretchable and flexible wrap panel sized towrap around an outer circumference of a patient's residual limb, along alength of the patient's residual limb, the wrap panel including one ormore first fasteners for maintaining the wrap panel in place around thepatient's residual limb, (b) at least one substantially rigid, elongatedside support panels to respectively apply to the medial and lateralsides of the patient's residual limb, over the wrap panel, (c) a distalcushion to apply against a distal end of the patient's residual limb;and (d) a retainer maintaining the distal cushion against the patient'sresidual limb; wrapping the wrap panel around the patient's residuallimb and fastening the first fasteners to close the wrap panel about thepatient residual limb; fastening the suspensory strap tocircumferentially around the outer surface of the wrap panel above thesupracondylar aspect of the femur of the patient's residual limb so asto provide suspension of the post-operative support apparatus fromfalling distally off the patient's residual limb; fastening the at leastone side support panels respectively on the medial and lateral sides ofthe patient's residual limb, where the elongated side support panelsextend vertically along the patient's residual limb; positioning thedistal cushion to the distal end of the patient's residual limb; andpositioning the planar distal panel over the distal cushion andfastening the plurality of legs of the planar distal cushion to theouter surface of the wrap panel to thereby retain the distal cushion tothe distal end of the patient's residual limb.